convoluted procedure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convoluted procedure" is correct and can be used in written English.
You would use it to describe something as overly complicated, needlessly complex, and winding. For example: "The new accounting procedure was so convoluted that it took weeks to understand the entire process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS) explains the convoluted procedure north of the border.

The Guardian

The convoluted procedure allows the majority leader to claim all opportunity for offering changes to a bill, effectively preventing any other senator from proposing an amendment intended to slow down legislation or force a politically embarrassing vote.

The New York Times

In a convoluted procedure, all 15 Security Council members vote for each of the 12 candidates, casting a total of 180 ballots.

Huffington Post

Instead, we had to follow a convoluted procedure requiring both health authorities and the mothers' GPs to forward our invitation pack, with the result that an estimated 72% of nonresponders never received the participant invitations.

Environmental Health Perspectives

In particular, since extended lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer surgery has been regarded as a convoluted procedure, the internal validity for the surgical technique of surgeons participating in this RCT is deemed a crucial prerequisite for this surgical RCT.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

While proposals have been working their way through Europe's convoluted procedures, risks have grown that the debt crisis will plunge Europe into a steep recession or lead to a fragmentation of the currency union.

The New York Times

Thanks to the convoluted procedures for getting rid of Tory leaders who don't want to go the political equivalent of a corporate poison-pill defence against takeover even Mr Duncan Smith's most militant critics quail at what is involved.

The Economist

Some companies who are self-aware and acknowledge their convoluted procurement procedures may eventually want salespeople to be advised by people who can smooth the process for all sides.

TechCrunch

Following criticism about the convoluted BBC complaints procedure in a Lords communications committee report, Patten announced the creation of a chief complaints editor.

The Guardian

Charged with interpreting what Mr. Reid called the "complex, convoluted" rules and procedures of the Senate, Mr. Frumin has given advice to Democrats and Republicans alike as an umpire for their procedural disputes.

The New York Times

The "position" of the (convoluted) delta function is Hp(10 Nat_work.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "convoluted procedure", be specific about which aspects are complex or confusing. Providing examples can help your audience understand the challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical language when describing a "convoluted procedure". Aim for clarity, even when explaining complex systems, to prevent further confusing your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convoluted procedure" functions as a noun phrase, where "convoluted" modifies "procedure". It describes a specific type of procedure characterized by its complexity and difficulty. Ludwig's examples show it in varied contexts, all implying unnecessary complexity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "convoluted procedure" is a grammatically correct and useful way to describe a process that is unnecessarily complex and confusing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to express frustration or criticism regarding inefficient systems. While "complex process" may be a simpler alternative, "convoluted procedure" specifically highlights the negative aspects of a process's complexity. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, understanding its usage can help writers effectively communicate about intricate but flawed processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex process

Replaces "convoluted" with a simpler, more direct adjective conveying difficulty.

complicated method

Substitutes "procedure" with "method", slightly altering the formality of the phrase.

intricate process

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of the procedure.

byzantine process

Uses a more evocative term to suggest extreme complexity and secretiveness.

tortuous process

Highlights the frustrating and difficult nature of the procedure.

unnecessarily complex procedure

Adds an element of criticism, suggesting the procedure's complexity is unwarranted.

overly complicated process

Similar to the above, but uses different wording to express excessive complexity.

elaborate process

Focuses on the detailed and comprehensive nature of the procedure, potentially without negative connotations.

roundabout procedure

Emphasizes the indirect and inefficient nature of the procedure.

tangled process

Uses a metaphor to convey the confusing and difficult-to-follow nature of the procedure.

FAQs

How can I describe a "convoluted procedure" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "complex process", "complicated method", or "intricate process" to convey the same meaning with less technical language.

Is there a negative connotation to the term "convoluted procedure"?

Yes, "convoluted procedure" often implies that a process is unnecessarily complex or difficult to understand. It suggests inefficiency or poor design.

What's the difference between a "convoluted procedure" and a "complex procedure"?

While both terms describe something complicated, "convoluted procedure" suggests unnecessary or confusing complexity, while "complex procedure" simply indicates a high degree of intricacy.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "convoluted procedure" in writing?

Use "convoluted procedure" when you want to emphasize that a process is not only complex but also confusing, inefficient, or poorly designed. Be sure the context warrants this negative connotation.